International artworks from a private collection 40 years in the making will go public next weekend when the Pizzuti Collection opens near the Short North.

The contemporary paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works — many of them by prominent Cuban artists — belong to businessman Ron Pizzuti and his wife, Ann. Included are works by Yoan Capote, John Chamberlain, Raul Cordero, Jean Dubuffet, Ori Gersht, Raul Martinez, Josiah McElheny, Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella and others. A portion of the full collection is showcased in two exhibits inside and sculptural works outside the renovated 18,000-square-foot building at 632 N. Park St.

“I really believe this collection is going to change Columbus,” said Rebecca Ibel, director and curator of the collection. “It will be part of the city’s cultural fabric — very sophisticated — and the art is fabulous.”

Although the building has been open for preview tours throughout the summer, the official opening will take place Friday evening (a benefit event that’s almost sold out) and Saturday (with free admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).Thereafter, the collection will be open on Fridays and Saturdays and by appointment.

With a goal of furthering cultural understanding — notably by elevating the world’s underrepresented voices — the venue will offer tours, lectures, artist talks and educational programs. Ibel and her staff of three will give tours by appointment — “and we really mean that,” she said.

In addition to three floors of exhibition space, the nonprofit facility has a library whose gallery and artist catalogs span more than 30 years.The collection, Ibel said, is intended to “function with a different rhythm than the Columbus Museum of Art and the Wexner Center for the Arts” as well as other central Ohio art centers.

“The collection will be part of the Short North experience,” she said. “And our goal is, especially, to draw families.”